MASERU, April 14, 2026 — The Maseru Regional Taxi Operators (MRTO) announced on Monday that public transport fares across the capital and beyond are set for a significant increase effective May 1, 2026.

Speaking at a press conference in Maseru, MRTO Chairman Mokete Jonase confirmed that local fares will be set at M23, while long-distance travel will now be billed at a rate of M9 for every 10 kilometers. To ensure official standardization across the fleet, Mr. Jonase noted that all documentation and stamps related to these changes will bear the official Maseru region insignia.

The decision to hike prices follows an assessment by a consultant from the Department of Traffic, a move the association claims is necessary to offset a series of mounting operational costs. Mr. Jonase pointed specifically to the government's decision to increase the price of vehicle number plates to M750 as a primary burden.

He further explained that current policy requires vehicle owners to purchase entirely new plates following any incident, such as an accident, as the government retains the original numbers. These expenses, coupled with a sharp rise in fuel prices that occurred after initial fare agreements were made, have left operators with little financial alternative.

The chairman also highlighted that the hike in tollgate fees serves as further evidence that all transport-related overheads have reached unsustainable levels. Mr. Jonase issued a firm ultimatum regarding the new price structure, stating that if the public or authorities refuse to accept the new fares, operators are prepared to withhold their vehicles and suspend services entirely.

Supporting these claims, MRTO Secretary General Sehlooho Sehlooho criticized the government for its perceived negligence, stating that the Department of Traffic had previously agreed to annual price reviews but has remained silent on the matter for two years.

Mr. Sehlooho noted that the industry is grappling with other sharp increases, such as vehicle fitness testing fees which surged from M90 to M350. He expressed further frustration over the fact that, despite these higher costs, the testing equipment at the Department of Traffic is reportedly non-functional.

While the MRTO suggested they might reconsider the new fares if the government meets them halfway on these specific grievances, the association maintains it will not back down from the agreed price hike even under government pressure.